Brian M. Ashe of Longmeadow, a candidate for state representative, said this week he has been granted some free advertising time on a Springfield radio station in response to his claim that his election opponent's radio program is an unfair advantage to her.

Ashe, a candidate in the 2nd Hampden District, said he recently worked out an agreement with WHYN-AM 560 radio, in which he was granted 20 free commercial spots, each 30 seconds long, and four, 15-second commercial spots to resolve the issue.

Ashe had filed a request on Aug. 29, seeking equal time on WHYN, due to his opponent, Kateri B. Walsh of Springfield, continuing to host a radio program on that station after her announced candidacy. She began hosting the show in 1995.

Katerie B. Walsh

Under the agreement, WHYN also will not broadcast her program as long as she is a candidate, Ashe said. Ashe and Walsh are the lone candidates on the Democratic primary ballot Tuesday. Whomever wins that race will face Republican candidate William G. Scibelli in the Nov. 4 election for the seat currently held by state Rep. Mary S. Rogeness, who is not seeking re-election.

"We worked out an agreement that both thought was fair," Ashe said. "It gives me an opportunity to get my voice on the air and gives people the opportunity to hear my name."

Under Federal Communications Commission rules, radio and television stations "shall afford equal opportunities" for air time to competing candidates with some exceptions such as on-the-spot news coverage.

A spokesman or manager for WHYN could not be reached for comment.

Walsh said Thursday the issue is "strictly a management decision."

"Whatever they decide, I will go along with," Walsh said, declining further comment.

In comments last week, Walsh said she did not see any political advantage in her being the host of the one-hour radio program called "Reporter's Roundtable." The show is broadcast at 6 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays, taped in advance, but did not run the past two weekends.

Walsh said last week the program sometimes does not run because she is too busy or on vacation.

The 2nd Hampden District covers Longmeadow and Hampden and part of East Longmeadow, Springfield and Monson.